Advice Needed: Removing lacquer and Scotch-Brite scratches for a matte finish on a 1960’s Conn 48H Bell

[realcat2826]

Hello all, this is my first post here and I was hoping for some help.

I’ve been working on my Conn 48H bell and need some advice. My goal is to fully remove the lacquer and get rid of the scratches left by Scotch-Brite pads while achieving a clean, matte finish—not polished or shiny, just a smooth and even raw brass look.

What I’ve Done So Far:
• Used Scotch-Brite pads to try removing the lacquer, but it’s still there, and the pads left scratches I hate. The bell is no longer shiny, it’s just covered in small scratches.
• Tried chemical lacquer removers like Jasco and other strong solvents, but they didn’t work, even after soaking the bell.
• Used a propane torch to soften the lacquer, but it didn’t make any difference.

What I’m Looking For:
• A way to fully remove the lacquer and eliminate the Scotch-Brite scratches while preserving the brass integrity.
• The end result I want is a matte finish, not a polished or brushed look.

Questions:
1. What’s the best way to get rid of the Scotch-Brite scratches without over-sanding or damaging the bell?
2. Are there any tools, techniques, or materials you recommend for removing lacquer that might work better than what I’ve tried?
3. How can I achieve an even, matte brass look without risking an uneven or inconsistent finish?

I appreciate any insights or tips you have—especially from anyone who’s worked on vintage Conn instruments like this. Thanks!

P.S.
If there’s any techs here with expertise in working with vintage brass instruments and who might be willing to help, I’d be happy to discuss mailing the bell to you and compensating you for your time and work. Please feel free to reach out if this is something you’d be interested in. Thank you so much for your consideration!

realcat2826

[davdud101]

I also found that those really old lacquers are suuuper hard. What chemicals have you tried? How long have you let it sit etc?
I've very often considered mediablasting/sandblasting as it seems like a good way to get a totally smooth matte look. Haven't looked deep into it though, so I don't really know if it would be rough to the touch or anything.
edit: check out this Trent Hamilton video! He sandblasts a flugel bell


Watching this thread as this will also be interesting to me.

[realcat2826]

@dadidud101 I might go to Home Depot today and get sandblasting equipment. I really like the look he achieved on his horn from doing that. Thank you man!

[BarryDaniels]

I have only done two brush finishes so far. And I used materials that have worked well in the many guitar projects I have done. There is a new abrasive product on the market that is a big advance in finish technology. It is called Super Assilex which is a fabric backed abrasive in grits ranging from 800 to 1500 grit. It is a very aggressive abrasive but it leaves very shallow scratches that are easily removed by finer abrasives or buffing compounds. I used 1200 grit and then 1500 grit to remove the lacquer and then hit the brass with a fine buffing compound to bring back a luster. Here is a close up pic of the surface on a rose brass bell, using this method, which was inspired by Matthew Walker’s description of his work.

[Jimkinkella]

The Connstellation was marketed as having an Electro-D finish, even acid couldn't mar the shine.
I think that Brad Close (https://www.brassmedic.com/) might have some ideas. I'd had some 48h conversations with him, leadpipe related, but he's a great tech and familiar with that particular horn, it is a unique thing.
It's a great horn, have fun!

[Bonearzt]

Stripper called "Aircraft Remover" used to be the stuff! But they have since removed the methyl chloride, which is what made it work.
You might try Easy Off oven cleaner.

Unfortunately, I don't know of anything that works as well now that's readily available.

[BGuttman]

Some people have had some success with Citristrip (a terpene), but long immersion times are required.

Epoxies can also be stripped using a strong lye solution and heat. Easy-Off is a strong lye paste. Note that use of a stripper like Easy-Off can result in discoloring the brass if not well rinsed promptly.

[brassmedic]

The Connstellation was marketed as having an Electro-D finish, even acid couldn't mar the shine.
I think that Brad Close (https://www.brassmedic.com/) might have some ideas. I'd had some 48h conversations with him, leadpipe related, but he's a great tech and familiar with that particular horn, it is a unique thing.
It's a great horn, have fun!

As far as I know, they are brass bells with nickel plating over copper plating. Don't get too aggressive with abrasives because you could conceivably damage the nickel plating. As already mentioned, the stripping chemicals you can buy now are sadly not very effective. Sometimes I've had some luck with immersing lacquered parts in very hot water to take the lacquer off.

[Doug Elliott]

Scotch Brite comes in several grits. Do you know what was used that produced the scratches?

[davdud101]

Some people have had some success with Citristrip (a terpene), but long immersion times are required.

I tried Citristrip on an old Bundy last year and it didn't make a mark! I figured it's because CS is a bit weaker of a chemical compared to stuff like aircraft remover

[CharlieB]

Can anybody here vouch for this product ?

https://www.ferreestoolsinc.com/product ... UQF24-NuMt